Accelerates payments to current grantees to ease financial pressure

WATERTOWN, MA – April 14, 2020 – Tufts Health Plan Foundation announced today it is providing funding to 18 additional nonprofit organizations as part of the $1 million it has committed
to support community efforts on behalf of older people affected by the coronavirus. This second wave of funding, totaling $345,000, focuses on housing and equity efforts in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut.

“We continue to hear from many organizations daily about the emerging challenges and priorities facing our communities as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak,” said Tom Croswell, Tufts Health Plan president and CEO. “The agencies receiving this funding are experiencing an unprecedented demand for services. We are proud to support this work.”

The organizations include housing providers, those working with people experiencing homelessness and immigrant communities, and several serving as hubs for collaborative regional responses. They include:

United Way of Greater Fall River, United We Help Greater
Fall River COVID-19 Relief Fund: $15,000

Rhode Island $30,000

House of Hope Community Development Corporation: $20,000

Saint Elizabeth Community: $10,000

New Hampshire $25,000

Tri-County Community Action Program: $25,000

Connecticut $35,000

Catholic Charities, Institute for the Hispanic Family: $20,000

Hispanic Alliance of Connecticut: $15,000

The Foundation also is accelerating payments to current grantees, easing the financial pressure they are facing. These payments will give community organizations an additional $1.5 million to support emerging priorities.

“As the coronavirus spreads throughout our region, it is clear communities of color and organizations serving older people are disproportionately affected,” said Nora Moreno Cargie, president of Tufts Health Plan Foundation and vice president for corporate citizenship at Tufts Health Plan. “Organizations working with those most at risk are a priority for the Foundation. More resources are essential to help all our communities face this public health crisis.”

The Foundation continues to offer a two-for-one match to Tufts Health Plan employees and board members who donate to organizations during the pandemic. To date, an additional $55,000 has been contributed to community organizations through this program.